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Would You Like Arrows With That?

Most entrepreneurs like to think of themselves as pioneers. Trailblazers. Adventurers.

It’s a very romantic image, isn’t it?

There’s only one problem: in the Americas, the pioneers were the ones found along the trail with arrows in their back.

If you are committed to being a pioneer, you are also committed to receiving the arrows.

If you don’t want that kind of risk, it might be best to let other people be pioneers, and for you to follow after they’ve taken the risks, and done the dangerous work. You might be happier as a “settler”.

This is not an indictment of your character. For instance, you’re not being a pioneer if you become an accountant. Or even a CEO. But both can be very profitable and honorable career choices.

On the other hand, staking your future on an uncertain technology startup is pioneering. We love to hear the success stories – the “outliers”. What we typically don’t hear about is the hundreds of thousands of people who go off on the pioneering trail, never to return.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To me a “settler” can very well be one who “settles” for less than seeking their fullest potential. This could be in career choices, health and relationships. People settle all time and then make the the choice to live in miserable mediocrity over seeking fulfillment by venturing into the unknown realm of potential achievement. It is when you venture into the unknown on a quest to find something greater in your life that you are a pioneer, because so many choose to settle.

For me, I can’t stay still and sink deeper into the recliner, TV remote in hand awaiting slow death. I must venture into the unknown and be a pioneer. (I’ll risk the arrows).

I want to be a pioneer. Do find that this is a ongoing struggle, well at the beginning at least? I fight my laziness and my inner voice of doubt. When I fight through it and do something productive things start happening. I need to this more often and closer together.

@fischerls One of the most powerful things you can do is to realize you are not the identity of “lazy” or “doubtful”. In almost every case, those particular behaviors are the result of a habit. The habit is triggered by something. The key is to figure out what triggers the habit that you call “lazy”, and what is the reward that the lazy behavior brings you? Then figure out a way to have the same trigger provoke you into a new response, that still gives you the same reward. I know this is a little tough to get your head around at 1st, which is why I suggest you read the new book “the power of habit”by Charles Duhigg. It’s available on Amazon. I really picked up some powerful distinctions from reading this book.

O don’t I feel it! Stuck in the forest looking for the clearing and the way out. The arrows of ‘you can’t do that’ or ‘what makes you think they’ll pay for that?’ fly fast every time I stick my head up. And so I read and I write and I build my armor. They might be right, and I might fail, but I’m thriving on the challenge.

What They Say About Ray

“He is generous with his teachings and holds nothing back. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to sharpen your sword and let your genius copywriter within you come forth to make an impact on the web and in the world.”

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New York Times Best-Selling Author br>
Twitter Power, Ka-Ching, and The Adsense Code

“Highest integrity, a pleasure to work with… and fantastic work. I love working with Ray.”

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Creator of Product Launch Formula

“The words ‘Ray Edwards’ and ‘World Class Copywriting’ have the same meaning to me. He is simply one of the best living copywriters today.”

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Internet Entrepreneur

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Topline Business Consultants

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“Ray is one of the rare writers that knows both sides of the business and it shows in his results. If you are lucky enough to work with him you will see what I mean. Great stuff.”

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Lifebook

About Ray Edwards

My name is Ray Edwards (in case you hadn't guessed that yet). I'm a copywriter and communications strategist, and I've had the privilege of writing for or working with some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business including New York Times bestselling authors Michael Hyatt, Jeff Walker, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul) and Tony Robbins. I'm also a speaker and author, and host a popular weekly iTunes Business podcast.